Arteta confident in Arsenal after anxious progress to Champions League semis
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta (Adrian Dennis) Mikel Arteta insisted Arsenal's angst-ridden progress to the Champions League semi-finals proved they have the character to cope with the mounting pressure of their bid to end a six-year trophy drought. Arteta's side survived an anxious quarter-final second leg against Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday as they held on for a goalless draw that secured a 1-0 aggregate victory. The Gunners were well below their best at the Emirates Stadium, but Sporting couldn't take advantage as Geny Catamo went closest for the visitors with a first-half volley that smacked off the post.
It was the latest in a growing list of spluttering displays from Arsenal, who have lost three of their last five games in all competitions, winning just once in that period. But Arteta is adamant Arsenal's ability to grind out yet another vital result, despite an ugly performance, showed their spirit and desire remain strong amid criticism of their perceived mental weakness. "We are not perfect, we recognise that, but there is value in what the players have done," said Arteta, whose club face Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals.
"My message was gratitude for the effort they put in. There was a lot of work put in. We had to do it in a very special way, missing a lot of important players.
"We had many things that are important in getting a result. It is about how you compete and when you are trying to win titles that is what you need. " With Arsenal missing the injured Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber, Arteta saluted Declan Rice's decision to face Sporting despite being unable to train on Tuesday.
Rice's tenacious effort symbolised the attitude that Arteta demands from his team. "100 percent, especially in moments of difficulty or when we gave the ball away. Declan yesterday was shattered.